Humility and Human Flourishing: A Study in Analytic Moral Theology (Oxford Studies in Analytic Theology)

In many Christian traditions, humility is often thought to play a central role in the moral and spiritual life. In this study of the moral virtue of humility, Michael W. Austin applies the methods of analytic philosophy to the field of moral theology in order analyze this virtue and its connections to human flourishing. The book is therefore best characterized as a work in analytic moral theology, and has two primary aims. First, it articulates and defends a particular Christian conception of the virtue of humility. It offers a Christological account of this trait, one that is grounded in the gospel accounts of the life of Christ as well as other key New Testament passages. The view of humility it offers and defends is biblically grounded, theologically informed, and philosophically sound. Second, the volume describes ways in which humility is constitutive of and conducive to human flourishing, Christianly understood. It argues that humility is rational, benefits its possessor, and contributes to its possessor being good qua human. Austin also examines several issues in applied virtue ethics. He considers some of the ways in which humility is relevant to several of the classic spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, fasting, solitude, silence, and service. He considers humility's relevance to issues related to religious pluralism and tolerance. Finally, the book concludes with a discussion of the relevance of humility for family life and how it can function as a virtue in the context of sport. Cover Humility and Human Flourishing: A Study in Analytic Moral Theology Copyright Dedication Acknowledgments Contents 1: Philosophy, Theology, and Christian Virtue ANALYTIC MORAL THEOLOGY SOME OBJECTIONS TO ANALYTIC MORAL THEOLOGY THE APPROACH OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK 2: A Christian Account of Humility THE HUMILITY OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE GOSPELS HUMILITY IN PHILIPPIANS 2 AND 1 PETER 5 A CHRISTIAN ACCOUNT OF HUMILITY The Modularity of Virtue Cognitive Modules of Humility Emotive Modules of Humility Active Modules of Humility Humility Exemplified in a Gospel Episode STRENGTHS OF THE ACCOUNT It Recognizes the Goodness of God in Humanity It Is Not Dependent upon an Epistemic Defect It Is Pluralistic CONCLUSION 3: Theological and Philosophical Objections THEOLOGICAL OBJECTIONS A Humble God? Philippians 2:1–11 Does Not Call for Imitating Christ This Account of Humility Conflicts with the Neighbor-Love Commandment of Jesus PHILOSOPHICAL OBJECTIONS (C3) and (E1) Are False (C3), (E1), and (A2) Are Too Demanding The Account Does Not Sufficiently Individuate Humility from Other Virtues Is Humility a Virtue of the Oppressed? Hume’s Critique Tara Smith’s Critique CONCLUSION 4: Humility and Human Flourishing THE VALUE OF HUMILITY FOR HUMAN BEINGS HUMILITY AND THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES Faith Hope Love HUMILITY AND THE CARDINAL VIRTUES Prudence Justice Fortitude Temperance HUMILITY AND PRIDE 5: Contemporary Applications HUMILITY AND RELIGIOUS THOUGHT AND PRACTICE Humility and Spiritual Disciplines Humility, Religious Pluralism, and Tolerance HUMILITY AND THE FAMILY HUMILITY AND SPORT CONCLUSION 6: Conclusion: Summary and a Brief Reflection on John 13 A CONCLUDING REFLECTION APPENDIX The Modules of Christian Humility Bibliography Scripture Index Index "In many Christian traditions, humility is often thought to play a central role in the moral and spiritual life. In this study of the moral virtue of humility, Michael W. Austin applies the methods of analytic philosophy to the field of moral theology in order analyze this virtue and its connections to human flourishing. The book is therefore best characterized as a work in analytic moral theology, and has two primary aims. First, it articulates and defends a particular Christian conception of the virtue of humility. It offers a Christological account of this trait, one that is grounded in the gospel accounts of the life of Christ as well as other key New Testament passages. The view of humility it offers and defends is biblically grounded, theologically informed, and philosophically sound. Second, the volume describes ways in which humility is constitutive of and conducive to human flourishing, Christianity understood. It argues that humility is rational, benefits its possessor, and contributes to its possessor being good qua human. Austin also examines several issues in applied virtue ethics. He considers some of the ways in which humility is relevant to several of the classic spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, fasting, solitude, silence, and service. He considers humility's relevance to issues related to religious pluralism and tolerance. Finally, the book concludes with a discussion of the relevance of humility for family life and how it can function as a virtue in the context of sport."-- Provided by publisher Grounded in the canonical gospels and other New Testament passages, especially Philippians 2:1-11, this study offers an account of humility from a Christian perspective.